Saab Intensifying Long-Term Commitment In Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Saab Ab, the Swedish-based defence and security company which has 40 years business experience in Malaysia, is working on intensifying its long-term commitment here. "Malaysia is a strategically important market for Saab. We supply high-performance and cost efficient defence systems to the Malaysian armed forces and navy. "Among the products supplied include the Carl Gustav man-portable weapons system, radar systems and fire control systems, both for the army and navy," said President and Head of Asia Pacific for Saab Dan-Ake Enstedt at a press conference on Saab's international presence and opportunities for business in the region. He said the company, which is participating in the ongoing Defence Services Asia Exhibition and Conference 2014, manufactured a range of products that not only catered for airforce defence but could be used for fishing and to deter drug smuggling activities. Meanwhile, Saab Ab President and Chief Executive Officer Hakan Buskhe said the company was working very closely with DRB-HICOM to look into the area of technology transfer and bringing expertise to Malaysia. Both companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) last year to broaden and deepen the existing relations between them. Saab was also offering to lease Gripen combat aircraft together with the Erieye Airborne Early Warning aircraft which was similar to its deal with Thailand. "Last year we submitted proposals to the Malaysian government. We always have dialogues with the government on leasing combat jets. However, it is up to them to decide," he added. Saab is the only manufacturer in the world that has leased its fighter aircraft to other countries and other manufacturers. --BERNAMA